Breanna: Research Poem

The luthier chose his wood carefully.

This was going to be a special instrument.

He cut the slabs in half and glued them together.

He took his saw and cut the shape of the instrument

with its graceful curves.

He bent the ribs around a form,

and set them aside for a later date.

He took his rasps and planes

and started to carve the wood,

creating the belly 

which resonates the sound.

He carefully cut the f-holes

making sure the nicks are perfect.

He took a new piece of wood

and carved the graceful scroll.

He glued the internal parts,

the most important parts,

to the inside of the belly.

He then glued everything together,

the scroll,

the neck,

the ribs,

the body,

and the fingerboard.

It is finally ready for varnish.

He carefully painted the varnish on;

a beautiful golden color.

Many months later,

it is on stage,

being played by today’s new prodigy.

I know this isn't an ekphrastic poem, but I couldn't help but think of this painting of Antonio Stradivari, who is arguably the grandfather of violin making.